Venom spilled onto the ice Monday night during Game 4 between the Rangers and Devils. When the final horn sounded, the Devils had evened the series at 2-2. The scuffling between the teams -- highlighted by a Mike Rupp jab that landed on the chest of Martin Brodeur and a verbal sparring match between coaches Pete DeBoer and John Tortorella from opposite benches. The following is a selection of links in reaction to Game 4.

Mike Vaccaro, New York Post: The Rangers are in a familiar position. In their previous two series this postseason, they've emerged from four games in a 2-2 series tie. The difference, the Post columnist writes, is that the Devils will be a much harder team to grab two of the next three games from than previous opponents Washington and Ottawa.

Pat Leonard, New York Daily News: The sparring in the third period was sparked in the first by Ryan McDonagh's cross check on Adam Henrique. The Rangers defenseman said he was "trying to make a stand for our team," but, Leonard writes, it took too long for the Rangers to stand up to the Devils, who had comfortably taken control of the game by that point.

Larry Brooks, Post: The Rangers have failed to compose themselves for 60 whole minutes in a game this series, Brooks writes. In place of a strategy to combat the Devils, Brooks feels they've chosen to throw punches instead.

Brett Cyrgalis, Post: Mourning the death of his grandmother two days ago, Rangers defenseman Michael Del Zotto had the worst game of the postseason -- and perhaps his NHL career. Tortorella benched the young defenseman for nearly 10 minutes during a stretch in the second period.